Xeraco, Spain, 30 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar will undergo surgery after a heavy crash forced him to abandon the Vuelta a España while leading the race. The Tadej Pogacar surgery will treat a displaced left collarbone fracture, while doctors are also monitoring a concussion and stable C7 cervical fracture.
Pogacar crashed with more than 30km remaining on stage eight from Pucol to Xeraco. Television footage showed the 27-year-old swerving to his right, colliding with another rider and falling before riders behind became involved. He tried to stand and continue but was eventually taken away by ambulance.
Why did Pogacar crash and why does he need surgery?
Footage indicated Pogacar was attempting to avoid something on the road, with reports identifying a stone as a possible cause. UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports manager Joxean Fernández Matxin stressed there was no individual to blame.
Matxin said: “It’s no one’s responsibility. … It’s simply one of those things that happens in cycling, unfortunately.”
Hospital examinations found a concussion, displaced left clavicle fracture, stable C7 fracture and abrasions. UAE medical director Dr Adrian Rotunno confirmed that Tadej Pogacar surgery is required but will not take place immediately because doctors are following concussion precautions.
Rotunno said: “Fortunately, no other major injuries and no neurological fallout.” He confirmed Pogacar remains under the team’s medical care and further information will follow after surgery.
What will Pogacar face during his recovery?
The immediate concern is treating his concussion safely before doctors operate on the collarbone. The team has not announced a recovery timetable, making it too early to determine when Pogacar can return to competitive cycling.
The crash is a major interruption to an exceptional season. Pogacar won a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title in July and entered the Vuelta seeking the only Grand Tour missing from his career record. Victory would have made him the ninth male rider to win the Tour, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta.
How does the crash change the Vuelta?
Pogacar held a commanding three-minute, 50-second advantage over Enric Mas before the accident. His withdrawal handed the overall lead to the Movistar rider, dramatically changing the battle for the red jersey.
Mas declined to wear the jersey during the podium ceremony, holding it instead as a gesture towards Pogacar. The Spaniard said it was “a real shame” and expressed hope that his rival would recover quickly.
For Pogacar, competition is now secondary. The Tadej Pogacar surgery, concussion monitoring and rehabilitation will determine his return, with UAE Team Emirates-XRG expected to provide further medical updates after the operation.
